2012 nissan maxima Model Overview

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3 of 5

The 2012 Nissan Maxima sedan originally debuted being pitched as the return of the four-door sports car. That label was previously applied to the third-generation Maxima of the late ’80s and early ’90s, and was somewhat believable when you consider the other mid-sizers of the day. Though the third-generation model had sporty intentions, and the fourth-generation Maxima continued the trend with the first VQ-series V-6 and a standard five-speed manual transmission, the ones following didn’t quite live up to the title of “four-door sports car.” The fifth- and sixth-generation cars were geared more toward customers seeking luxury and comfort, rather than those looking for quick lap times and sharp handling.

When it was introduced, the current seventh-generation Maxima even sported “4DSC” (four-door sports car) stickers back on the windows, an homage to the third-generation car, which wore similar markings. Some would say the Maxima is deserving of that distinction, as it packs a 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with sport mode, and has an available sport package that adds stiffer dampers and springs, paddle shifters, and 19-inch wheels.

Despite all the “four-door sports car” marketing jazz, the Maxima is true to its flagship sedan mission statement, and remains a capable family car. A spacious five-seat cabin and usable cargo area combined with near-luxury car interior appointments make the Maxima a solid choice in its class. Standard features like Bluetooth connectivity, Nissan Intelligent Key entry and push-button ignition, power moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an eight-speaker stereo place the Maxima on premium sedan shoppers’ radar — whether they’re looking for a four-door sports car or not.

The Maxima receives a mid-cycle facelift in 2012, gaining a redesigned front grille, redesigned taillights, and different 18- and 19-inch alloy wheel designs. Though the changes are subtle in front, you can see the frame of the grille is more pronounced, and the horizontal slats appear slightly thicker. In back, the differences are more apparent, with the 2012 model swapping the previously all red-and-white taillights of last year’s model with units wearing clear lenses. Inside, the Maxima’s gauge illumination color has been changed to white, and several trim colors are added, including Dark Piano-hairline trim and Atlantic Cherry wood tone trim. A beige interior color scheme along with two exterior colors, Java Metallic and Dark Slate, is also new.

The Maxima receives its mid-cycle refresh for 2012. Nissan’s 2012 Maxima retains its bulging hood, aggressively sculpted fenders, and L-shaped wraparound headlights. Slight changes to the grille make it more pronounced, with the grille frame and inner slats beefed up a bit. The taillights get a noticeable makeover, receiving clear lenses similar to those used on the Altima. The multi-LED lights within the housings feature different colors from the simple red and white of the 2011 model’s taillights. The standard 18-inch alloy wheels are redesigned for 2012, as are the optional 19-inchers available with the Sport package. The Maxima’s exterior cues still give the impression of power and speed, traits Nissan has tried to imbue into the car to set it apart from the rest of the segment.

The Maxima’s interior design philosophy revolved around creating the connected feel of a sports car, but with the added utility of more space. That goal was apparently accomplished, as the sedan’s driver-centric front seat and roomy backseat present the best of both worlds to conflicted sporty car buyers. Of the Maxima’s well-executed cabin, we said, “The cockpit is gorgeous, with a meaty steering wheel, intuitive controls, deeply pocketed sport seats, and soft-touch materials across the dash.” An eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat comes standard on all models, and can be upholstered in cloth, standard leather on the SV model, or an available premium leather with the Special Edition package. Split-folding 60/40 rear seats come standard, while a navigation system with seven-inch display screen is available with the Technology package.

The Maxima continues to use Nissan’s award-winning VQ-series V-6, which displaces 3.5 liters and produces 290 hp and 261 lb-ft of torque in the flagship sedan. The sole transmission choice is still a sport mode-enabled CVT, which can be shifted manually through the available steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. That option is locked away with the Sport package, which also comes with sport-tuned shocks and struts, stiffer springs, a larger front stabilizer bar, and 19-inch alloy wheels with performance tires. Handling is impressive for a car its size, and the ride is as enjoyable around town as it is hugging the corners of America’s backroads. We’ve said previously, “The engine…is hushed and pulls smoothly; no undue tugging at the wheel. The ride is well-isolated and controlled.”

Dual-stage supplemental front airbags with seat-mounted sensors, driver and passenger front side impact airbags, and front and rear roof-mounted side-curtain airbags with head protection come standard on all Maxima models. The Maxima also gets Nissan’s Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system with traction control, an ABS system with Electronic Brake force Distribution, and Tire Pressure Monitoring system as standard safety equipment. A LATCH child seat-anchoring system is also standard, and allows easy and secure mounting of a child safety seat. A rear-view camera is available on 3.5 SV models through the Premium and Monitor packages.

2012 Nissan Maxima Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$32,420

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$17,625

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.

2012 Nissan Maxima News and Reviews

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